- It is my understanding that some states (such as Arizona) allow for open carry. Exactly what is "open carry"?
- What about in the rain / snow / cold when you need a coat ... how do you 'open carry' under these conditions or can the gun be under your coat? Of course, it then wouldn't be 'OPEN carry' in the true sense of the word.
- Finally, before I leave this subject, what about if you have a CCW license in a state that allows 'open carry' ... do you then not have to worry about 'printing' and stuff like that because you would be covered by the 'open carry' part if it shows and by the CCW license when it's concealed.
Open Carry questions
- Thread starter Alan Fud
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David Park
Member
Open carry is legal in Virginia (de facto, because there are no state laws prohibiting it, and there's that "right to bear arms" thing in the state constitution). I open carry occasionally, and know others who do, so here's my take.
1. Open carry means the firearm is clearly visible (from multiple angles), and it's obvious to an observer that it's a firearm (a belt holster with flap should be gun-shaped). An IWB holster with no covering garment is considered open carry.
2. Let your gun get wet? Use a flap holster? I don't know, what do cops do? It's not generally a problem in VA, because...
3. VA is shall-issue concealed carry, so it's easy to get a permit. The only reason most people open carry is to eat in a restaurant that serves alcohol, where concealed is prohibited (for now) but open carry is legal. Basically you walk up to the restaurant, "unconceal" by taking off a jacket or whatever, and go inside. "Printing" is therefore not a legal hazard, but I still try not to print.
Some people worry about getting harrassed by cops or store managers, but from what I've heard from people who carry a lot, that's pretty rare. It probably helps if you look vaguely like a cop or a fed. (I don't, unless undercover DEA counts. )
1. Open carry means the firearm is clearly visible (from multiple angles), and it's obvious to an observer that it's a firearm (a belt holster with flap should be gun-shaped). An IWB holster with no covering garment is considered open carry.
2. Let your gun get wet? Use a flap holster? I don't know, what do cops do? It's not generally a problem in VA, because...
3. VA is shall-issue concealed carry, so it's easy to get a permit. The only reason most people open carry is to eat in a restaurant that serves alcohol, where concealed is prohibited (for now) but open carry is legal. Basically you walk up to the restaurant, "unconceal" by taking off a jacket or whatever, and go inside. "Printing" is therefore not a legal hazard, but I still try not to print.
Some people worry about getting harrassed by cops or store managers, but from what I've heard from people who carry a lot, that's pretty rare. It probably helps if you look vaguely like a cop or a fed. (I don't, unless undercover DEA counts.
)NC is similar to VA. Open carry tends to intimidate the sheeple though.
Here in NC we have a law called "Going armed to the terror of the people", which basically means you can't go around terrorizing folks with your gun. Now this law is 100 years old. And, terrorizing has a completely different meaning now than it did when the law was written. Also, this is EXTEMELY subjective to interpretation.
The biggest reason NOT to open carry is that if criminal elements decide to attack or target you, they will do so with the most stealth and violence possible - not good at all even if armed.
What they don't know won't hurt them as long as they don't mess with me and mine.
Here in NC we have a law called "Going armed to the terror of the people", which basically means you can't go around terrorizing folks with your gun. Now this law is 100 years old. And, terrorizing has a completely different meaning now than it did when the law was written. Also, this is EXTEMELY subjective to interpretation.
The biggest reason NOT to open carry is that if criminal elements decide to attack or target you, they will do so with the most stealth and violence possible - not good at all even if armed.
What they don't know won't hurt them as long as they don't mess with me and mine.
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
I live in an open carry state, but prefer not to be harrassed, so I carry concealed. In a perfect world, I'd openly pack a four- or five-inch .44 magnum rather than a (used) Smith & Wesson model 60.
cowdawg
Member
Howdy Howdy, well round these parts, if your outside the city limits you can "open carry"
blades67
Member
Open carry in Arizona means that I can carry a gun anywhere allowed by law without the need for a permit. So long as enough of the gun, or holster, is visible and can be readily identified as such, it is considered not to be concealed.
Concealed carry in public is allowed with a permit. Concealed carry on private property doesn't require a permit.
Concealed carry in public is allowed with a permit. Concealed carry on private property doesn't require a permit.
Oregon
A handgun carried openly in a belt holster is not considered concealed and is lawful to do under Oregon state statute. As with many other places one will likely be the subject of law enforcement contacts when doing so. There are also local ordinances which prohibit such conduct, ie. within the city limits of Portland.
A handgun carried openly in a belt holster is not considered concealed and is lawful to do under Oregon state statute. As with many other places one will likely be the subject of law enforcement contacts when doing so. There are also local ordinances which prohibit such conduct, ie. within the city limits of Portland.
Marshall
Member
OKLAHOMA GUN LAWS
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Rifle and Shotgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Semi-automatic "assault weapon" ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Machine Gun Ownership: no state restrictions, compliance with federal law only
Firearm law uniformity: state preemption act, firearm laws uniform throughout state
Concealed carry: licenses granted on a "shall issue" basis; reciprocity available for non-residents with carry permits ftom certain other states
Vehicle carry and transportation: unloaded firearms may be carried in the passenger compartment; magazine loaded rifles and shotguns may be transported in an exterior locked compartment or trunk
Oklahoma is a state where the frontier days of the Old West are not just distant memories. Oklahoma was opened to pioneer settlement after most of the West had already been "won." Firearms were instrumental in providing the late settlers to the territory with a sense of protection as well as self-reliance on the open prairie. Oklahoma's modern firearm laws reflect much of this tradition.
Vehicle carry of rifles and shotguns is permitted as long as the weapons are unloaded. They may be kept in plain view (ie. gun rack) or concealed behind the seat or other interior structure of the vehicle. Handguns, however, must be unloaded and carried in plain view or secured in a commercial gun case. Glove compartment carry is considered "concealed" and thus illegal. Magazine loaded rifles and shotguns may be transported in a vehicle if they are stowed in the trunk or external storage compartment. Chambers of these weapons must be unloaded.
Oklahoma allows the open carry of firearms for "any legitimate purpose not in violation of the law." This generally includes most recreational activity such as hunting and target shooting. However, open or concealed carry at certain public events such as political rallies and sporting events is prohibited.
Oklahoma recently passed a concealed carry law which allows qualified Oklahoma residents to carry concealed weapons upon obtaining the proper license. Oklahoma provides reciprocity to those non-residents who have concealed carry licenses issued by certain other states if the issuing state follows certain guidelines set forth by statute. The list of states acceptable for reciprocity is formulated at the discretion of Oklahoma authorities. Travelers should verify the status of their permits with the Attorney General before carrying concealed in the state.
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Rifle and Shotgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Semi-automatic "assault weapon" ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Machine Gun Ownership: no state restrictions, compliance with federal law only
Firearm law uniformity: state preemption act, firearm laws uniform throughout state
Concealed carry: licenses granted on a "shall issue" basis; reciprocity available for non-residents with carry permits ftom certain other states
Vehicle carry and transportation: unloaded firearms may be carried in the passenger compartment; magazine loaded rifles and shotguns may be transported in an exterior locked compartment or trunk
Oklahoma is a state where the frontier days of the Old West are not just distant memories. Oklahoma was opened to pioneer settlement after most of the West had already been "won." Firearms were instrumental in providing the late settlers to the territory with a sense of protection as well as self-reliance on the open prairie. Oklahoma's modern firearm laws reflect much of this tradition.
Vehicle carry of rifles and shotguns is permitted as long as the weapons are unloaded. They may be kept in plain view (ie. gun rack) or concealed behind the seat or other interior structure of the vehicle. Handguns, however, must be unloaded and carried in plain view or secured in a commercial gun case. Glove compartment carry is considered "concealed" and thus illegal. Magazine loaded rifles and shotguns may be transported in a vehicle if they are stowed in the trunk or external storage compartment. Chambers of these weapons must be unloaded.
Oklahoma allows the open carry of firearms for "any legitimate purpose not in violation of the law." This generally includes most recreational activity such as hunting and target shooting. However, open or concealed carry at certain public events such as political rallies and sporting events is prohibited.
Oklahoma recently passed a concealed carry law which allows qualified Oklahoma residents to carry concealed weapons upon obtaining the proper license. Oklahoma provides reciprocity to those non-residents who have concealed carry licenses issued by certain other states if the issuing state follows certain guidelines set forth by statute. The list of states acceptable for reciprocity is formulated at the discretion of Oklahoma authorities. Travelers should verify the status of their permits with the Attorney General before carrying concealed in the state.
Marshall
Member
Arizona is a 'Right to Open Carry' state with the following restrictions:
If you carry a gun on your person and you don’t have a concealed weapon permit, the weapon must be at least partially visible or in a holster or case that is partially visible.
Concealed Weapon Permit
A permit to carry a concealed weapon is available to anyone who can meet the state of Arizona’s criteria. You will be issued a concealed weapon permit if you:
Are residents of Arizona
At least 21 years of age
Are not a convicted felon in any jurisdiction
Do not suffer from any mental illness
Are not an illegal alien
Pass a Department of Public Safety approved firearms safety-training program that meets the minimum DPS requirements
If you carry a gun on your person and you don’t have a concealed weapon permit, the weapon must be at least partially visible or in a holster or case that is partially visible.
Concealed Weapon Permit
A permit to carry a concealed weapon is available to anyone who can meet the state of Arizona’s criteria. You will be issued a concealed weapon permit if you:
Are residents of Arizona
At least 21 years of age
Are not a convicted felon in any jurisdiction
Do not suffer from any mental illness
Are not an illegal alien
Pass a Department of Public Safety approved firearms safety-training program that meets the minimum DPS requirements
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